The state Forestry and Wildlife Division is proposing increases in state hunting fees, beginning with March hunts of some Big Island sheep and turkey. Proposal aims to raise
hunting fees in HawaiiBy Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.comThe division, which is part of the Department of Land & Natural Resources, wants to increase revenues for its public hunting program.
It will seek approval of the new fees by the state Land Board after receiving written public comments on them until Jan. 28.
Under the proposed fee increases, basic hunting fees for Hawaii residents would increase to $20 ($10 for a license plus $10 for a wildlife stamp) from $15.
Participating in special hunts, such as for axis deer on Lanai, would cost an additional $15 ($5 for an application fee and $10 for a tag per special hunt).
Nonresident fees, which are higher to begin with, would increase by the same amounts.
All new revenue would be used for improvements in the hunting program, including maintenance of hunting areas and temporary staff at checking stations.
"These are fees commonly charged in other states," said Paul Conry, wildlife program manager. "If you look at tags in other states, they are actually much higher. To hunt the same species of tags we've got here would cost $99 in North Dakota and as much as $1,000 in Utah."
Hunting license fees generate about $150,000 a year in revenue. Establishing tag and application fees and raising the wildlife stamp fee is expected to raise an additional $25,000 in the current fiscal year and an additional $200,000 in the fiscal year beginning in July.
The last Hawaii license fee increase was in 1988 for residents and 1992 for nonresidents.
For more information on hunting in Hawaii or to comment, contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813; or at 808-587-0166.